Wing Commander IBDE Hay

Links of Long Standing

CJ Laubscher was one of the earliest “University Air Squadron” members. The few others, included Johannesburg born CW Goldsmith and PHV Wells who were educated in England, studied mining engineering and were members of the London University Air Squadron. Bishops educated Anthony Ellerton Ryan Fry, another member of that Air Squadron had completed his degree and working in a Denmark brewery when he was called up after war was declared. Cambridge University Air Squadron members MR Hill, IBDE Hay and NJM Barry, a long-time school contemporary of Oxford University Air Squadron member Percy Burton.

Against Unfavourable Odds

His University Air Squadron colleague, Johannesburg born Ian Bruce David Errol Hay who was educated at Rugby School, joined No 611 Squadron in July 1940, flew Spitfires for the full duration of the “Battle of Britain” but was no longer operational by December 1940. Wing Commander IBDE Hay relinquished his commission in April 1945 and returned to South Africa. A director of several prominent companies, he died in 2005.

The Dreaded Telegram

Five South African pilots served on No 59 Squadron, Flying Officer Haswell, one of four who lost their lives was educated at St Johns College and commissioned as a Pilot Officer in September 1938 at the same time as another South African, Ian Bruce David Errol Hay. Haswell’s service number suggests he may have been a Cambridge University Air Squadron member. Their 1940 Flying Officer appointments were announced in “The London Gazette” on May 28th at the same time as Anthony Ellerton Fry and Claude Waller Goldsmith. IBDE Hay was the only one to survive the war.